The Jokla and Breidalsa Rivers
The Breiðdalsá and Jökla rivers are owned and run by Throstur Elliðason one the best-known and most respected operators of fishing in Iceland. He created the well-known Ranga system in the south of Iceland and is beginning to achieve the same results on his home rivers. The biggest difference is that both these rivers are normal temperature and therefore the hitch, skated collie and all the tiny flies we so enjoy using in Iceland are fully effective. Some of the original stock comes from Iceland’s famous ‘big fish’ river, the Laxa i Adaldal, therefore the opportunity for fish of 20 lbs and over is very real. Both rivers are near the north-east town of Egilsstadir.
The Breiðdalsá is becoming famous for its run of large fish, of which Iceland can currently offer little or no competition to. Indeed, the 2009 season saw several fish over 20 lbs being landed, and released, with fish coming close to that magical 30 lbs bracket also making an appearance (29.75 lbs to be exact!).
The grilse are there, of course, but the Breiðdalsá system is becoming synonymous in Iceland with its larger average size, with fish weighing in their teens being commonplace – this really is a rarity and an anomaly in Icelandic terms, where such fish would be in the minority of a daily or weekly catch, not the majority. It is a mid-sized river with a beautiful, classical character, where a 12ft double-hander would serve you well.
Moving on to the Jökla and you have a totally different system, but still plenty of character to engage and delight the angler. From the main system through to the intimate tributaries, the Jökla system is a must see, but quite different from that experienced on the Breiðdalsá, which is why they make such a great combination and provide such a great insight into what Iceland has to offer.
With such different attributes that visiting anglers may find hard to choose between, Throstur has come up with a rather ingenious combination package that allows you to fish both systems under the same package in the same week! The best of both worlds and a true insight into both fisheries.
The Jokla and Breidalsa Rivers
Weekly Schedule:
Various days of entry and exit. 3 and 6 day fishing programmes are offered.
Package Rate:
A prime August week with 3 days on the Jokla system and 3 days on the Breidalsa system would cost $7500, which is around £4500 sterling. This includes your guide, full board accommodation, ground transfers and soft drinks. Rod share options are available. Please contact us for further prices and availability.
Price includes:
• Six full days fishing
• Full board and accommodation for one person based on single occupancy.
• Guide fee.
• Ground transfers.
• All soft/carbonated drinks.
Price does not include:
• International flights
• Internal flights
• Long ground transfers e.g. from Reykjavik/Keflavik to lodge.
• Optional private guide
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Gratuities to guides and lodge staff.
The Jokla and Breidalsa Rivers
Time Difference
Reykjavik GMT
Flight Time from the UK
London - Reykjavik: 3 hrs
Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None. However a certification of tackle disinfection is required and may be checked as you progress through passport control upon entering the country. We advise travelling anglers to obtain such certifications prior to leaving the UK.
Species
Atlantic salmon, sea trout, brown trout and Arctic char - you may travel to the Breidalsa and the Jokla systems just to fish for the char, and they do have beats set aside specifically for char fishing. Certain times suit the char fishing better, so please contact us for suitable schedules.
Season to Travel
July - August
Tackle and Kit
Either a 9-10ft single-handed 8 weight rod or a 12-14ft double hander for 8-10 lines, floating and intermediate lines should be carried along with a good range of polyleaders that will cover most eventualities. Multi-tip lines are also popular alternatives, and cover most bases. Flies; frances, sneldas, sunrays, hitched tubes in various colours, along with traditional patterns such as the stoats tail, blue charm, cascade etc. (the lodge and guides do carry suitable selections), 10-20lb clear nylon or fluorocarbon leader, chest waders, wading jacket, lifejacket, wading stick and polarised sunglasses.
The aforementioned kit would cover almost all eventualities at both the Breidalsa and the Jokla system. However, the Jokla itself, especially in the lower river, does become sizeable. As such, we would recommend taking a 14 or 15ft double hander for a 10-12 line for this. We would also recommend taking a slightly heavier line for the main river, just in case there's some extra water in the system, where a slightly fast sinking line may be called for - a type 2 or 4 would be perfect, especially when combined with a heavier fly.
For the char you may take a lighter single-handed rod e.g. 9-10ft for a #6-8 line. Flies tend to be bright, with plenty of action and with heavy heads to form jig type patterns. Short and long shank hooks in sizes 10 and 8 are perfect. Tails should be constructed of marabou, with the bodies constructed of fritz. Blues work well, as does white, red, pink and orange.
Clothing
The weather can be changeable in Iceland so please wear comfortable layered clothing. Your vehicle will be close to hand so take a bag that all extra clothing and equipment can be stored in.
